UNISON, the UK’s largest union, today called on police forces in
England and Wales to put a stop to the poor treatment of new
employees on outsourced contracts by implementing the Best
Value Code of Practice.
The Code, jointly agreed by the government, unions and
employers, applies to Best Value authorities, including police
forces and local government. It protects new staff working for
private companies, guaranteeing them no less favourable pay and
conditions, including pension provision, than colleagues
transferred from an authority or police force.
UNISON has sent a copy of the Code to Chief Constables in
England and Wales, Chairs of Police Authorities, and police force
Directors of Human Resources (see letter below).
UNISON National Officer, Ben Priestley, said:
“It is unfair and now illegal to employ new staff on less pay and
worse conditions than colleagues transferred from a police force.
“Some police forces are not aware of how the Code can be used to
improve the performance of their force.
“We are seeking the co operation of Chief Constables and
Directors of Human Resources in implementing the Code.
UNISON has trained key officers and activists and we are keen to
assist.”
In local government, the Code is already having an impact.
Trafford Council has decided to retain the provision of home care
in-house because bidding companies failed to match the pension
package council workers currently receive.
To: Chief Constables (England and Wales)
Dear Colleague,
TWO TIER WORKFORCE – CODE OF PRACTICE
I am pleased to enclose a copy of UNISON’s guide to the Code of
Practice for tackling the two-tier workforce in the police service and
its associated Best Value guidance. Together I believe they
provide the means for us to work together to ensure improvement
in police force performance through active partnership with
UNISON branches and members.
As you know UNISON has actively campaigned for a mechanism
to end the poor treatment of ‘new starters’ on outsourced contracts.
We believe that the Code and the Best Value guidance provide the
means to do so, but that they require a firm commitment to
implementation from police authorities and forces. We are
therefore also sending copies to senior human resource managers
to help ensure a joined-up approach.
UNISON is actively engaged in a programme of action to ensure
that the Code and the guidance are put to full effect. We have
already trained key officers and activists in our regions and will
continue to provide further training where it is needed.
I do hope that you will find the UNISON guide helpful in
implementing the Code and guidance effectively within your police
authority. I am very keen to ensure that they are used in a positive
way and engender a renewed commitment to joint working
between us to generate improved performance.
Yours sincerely
Ben Priestley
National Officer
Police Staff Service Group